New York Giants: GM Jerry Reese Free Agent Options at WR

New York Giants: GM Jerry Reese Free Agent Options at WR

By Michael Stewart

WR-Marquess Wilson (24) 6’4/206 (Chicago): Wilson 2016 season was a disappointment as he missed a lot of action with a broken foot. The negative on Wilson is that he has broken his foot 3 times and that could affect any interest in him in free agency. However; if you’re looking for a low cost/high return WR that can stay healthy; then Wilson could be that WR as he averaged 17.8 yards per catch in 2016 before going on the IR. With other options in FA available to GM Jerry Reese, Wilson would be a fall back option if other pending free agent WR’s become unavailable.

WR-Terrelle Pryor (27) 6’4/225 (Cleveland): The one- time QB prospect out of Ohio State has done a great job transitioning into a productive WR in the NFL with 77 catches/1007 yards in 2016. Pryor is big, strong and has deceptive speed and would complement the current Giants WR starters very well. GM Jerry Reese needs to bring in a bigger WR who can produce and give opposing teams concerns on game day. GM Jerry Reese should have Pryor on his radar as he witnessed first-hand the ability of Pryor this season when he torched the Giants secondary for 6 catches and 131 yards (21.83 yards per catch). Pryor would not break the bank and give Eli Manning a big red zone target.

WR-Kenny Britt (28) 6’3/223 (L.A Rams): Britt has the big body type WR the Giants have been missing since Plaxico Burress. Britt is coming off his best season (68/1,002/5) and will most likely be coveted by many NFL teams looking for a WR. Keep in mind that Britt’s offensive production in 2016 was achieved with QB Case Keenum and rookie Jared Goff. The major concern that GM Jerry Reese must consider is which Kenny Britt would you get if signed?

Would it be the 2016 version that produced his 1st 1,000 yard season or the WR who only averaged roughly 35 catches per year from 2009-15. The last thing Reese wants to do is to get into a bidding war for Britt and over pay him when other positions on the offensive side of the ball are greater needs. With that being said; if GM Jerry Reese believes that he is getting the 2016 version and both sides could agree upon a reasonable contract (3 year/$18M), then signing Britt could be a logical move.

Justin Hunter (25) 6’4/203 (Buffalo): Hunter’s playing time was limited in Buffalo in 2016, however; Hunter did showcase enough to warrant a look as a possible FA target with 10 catches for 189 yards (18.9 yards per catch). Hunter has size, very athletic and would be a welcome target in the red zone for Eli Manning. A low cost/high reward options for GM Jerry Reese to consider this off season.

Final Thoughts: GM Jerry Reese With current WR’s already in house with Roger Lewis and Tavarres King expected to see more time in 2017; GM Jerry Reese could choose to go with under the radar type of WR’s as he does need to prepare for a long term deal for OBJ by 2019. However; if Reese feels he needs to bring in a more accomplished WR (Kenny Britt) and try to win now, he just might make a big splash and pull the trigger. Of course; Reese can also look to add depth and talent at the WR position through the draft as well.